Mo Li

The New Year, as celebrated in Great Chu, had arrived in the blink of an eye. Though stationed at the border and unable to return home to reunite with their families, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army were in high spirits, busily preparing to slaughter chickens and sheep for a hearty feast. The entire camp was livelier than usual, brimming with festive cheer.

In stark contrast to the Mo Family Army’s jubilation, the Northern Rong Camp not far away was shrouded in gloom and frustration. Ever since the envoy sent by the King of Northern Rong had died of illness—thanks to Yelv Ye’s machinations—though there had been no word yet from the Northern Rong royal court due to the vast distance between them and Great Chu, Yelv Ye could keenly sense that the situation there was turning increasingly unfavorable for him. Moreover, the snow-covered grasslands had cut off the supply routes, making it impossible for provisions to reach the Northern Rong army in Great Chu. In their recent skirmishes with the Mo Family Army, the enemy had clearly targeted this weakness, focusing their attacks on Northern Rong’s food supplies. While the army wasn’t yet starving, they were living on tight rations. Hearing the Mo Family Army’s boisterous celebrations, their laughter and cheers carrying all the way to the Northern Rong camp miles away, only deepened their dejection and unease.

Inside the Northern Rong command tent, Yelv Ye frowned at the assembled generals and asked gravely, “With our forces deadlocked and morale low, do any of you have a viable strategy?”

Helian Zhen stood and said, “Your Highness, there’s no need for us to rush.”

Yelv Ye raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, General Helian?”

Helian Zhen smiled. “Because the Mo Family Army is more anxious than we are. Prince Zhennan of Xiling is currently launching fierce attacks on Ruichang and Weicheng, and Prince Ding is desperate to return and reinforce them. Moreover, Mo Jingli’s army from Great Chu will arrive soon. Once they do, the Mo Family Army will be completely trapped. If we act hastily now, we’ll only fall into their trap.”

Yelv Ye replied coldly, “So, General Helian suggests we just keep waiting?”

Helian Zhen nodded. “Exactly. Once Mo Jingli’s forces are in position, the three armies can strike together. How could we fail to defeat the Mo Family Army then?”

Yelv Ye sneered. “Do you think we have that much time, General Helian?”

Of course, Yelv Ye was well aware of what Helian Zhen had said. Others might have the luxury to wait, but he did not. If the war dragged on, even if he emerged victorious in the end, the Northern Rong royal court would likely fall entirely under Yelv Hong’s control. By then, all his efforts would have merely paved the way for someone else.

“This…” As one of Yelv Ye’s most trusted confidants, Helian Zhen was privy to the news from the royal court. The current situation was indeed a dilemma. A direct confrontation with the Mo Family Army was out of the question, but if they continued to stall, allowing Crown Prince Yelv Hong to seize the advantage, all their hard-fought battles—and perhaps even their lives—would be in vain.After Yelv Ye dismissed the other generals, leaving only Helian Zhen and his son, Helian Zhen asked in a low voice, "Your Highness's intention is...?" Yelv Ye could only offer a bitter smile. The Central Plains were vast and rich in resources, a place the Bei Rong people had long coveted. Now that he had seized this territory, he was naturally reluctant to give it up. But was it worth abandoning the entire Northern Rong for this land? If he could successfully conquer the entire Chu Empire, forsaking the barren lands of Northern Rong would undoubtedly be worthwhile. However, the current situation in the Central Plains seemed to deny him such aspirations.

More importantly, the soldiers under his command were all native Bei Rong people. Even if he broke ties with the Northern Rong royal court, these men might not be willing to follow him forever, leaving their homeland to remain in the Central Plains.

On the other hand, if he withdrew his troops now and returned to Northern Rong, it would mean all the battles fought over these years would come to naught, and all his military achievements would vanish into thin air. With his father already clearly dissatisfied with him, returning in such a humiliating manner would undoubtedly be detrimental to him.

Yelv Ye shook his head with a wry smile. "What intentions can this prince have at this moment? I'm already riding a tiger and finding it hard to dismount. Mo Xiuyao... Mo Xiuyao is truly this prince's nemesis!" Without Mo Xiuyao, he would have already seized half of the Chu Empire. Even if his father was displeased with him, his own strength would have been sufficient to establish independence. But now, since Mo Xiuyao took to the battlefield, the Northern Rong army had suffered consecutive defeats, morale was low, and unrest spread through the camp. Many soldiers had begun to yearn for the grasslands of Northern Rong.

In truth, Mo Xiuyao was more than just Yelv Ye's nemesis. In the mere decade since Mo Xiuyao reemerged in the world, the once-powerful Chu Empire had been reduced to a southern rump state, Western Liang had relocated its capital, its imperial city had been occupied, and Ren Qining's painstakingly built northern regime had collapsed within ten years, ending in ruin. The Northern Rong royal court had remained unaffected by Mo Xiuyao solely because it was too distant from the Central Plains. Mo Xiuyao had neither the time nor the inclination to extend his reach that far—yet. But now, in the conflict between Yelv Ye and Yelv Hong, Mo Xiuyao's shadow loomed large.

Helian Zhen sighed. "The current situation is unfavorable to us. I fear Your Highness must make plans soon." In essence, it came down to one word—gamble. The first gamble was that the allied forces of the three kingdoms could completely annihilate Prince Ding's Estate, allowing the Northern Rong army to seize half of the Chu Empire. In that case, even if Yelv Ye broke with the Northern Rong royal court, he could maintain his power with his military strength. The second gamble was to withdraw the Northern Rong forces at an opportune moment, with Yelv Ye using his command over the majority of the Northern Rong army to return to the royal court and fight Yelv Hong to the death. It was indeed a dilemma.

Beside them, He Lianpeng said gravely, "Your Highness, Father, even if we intend to withdraw now, the Mo Family Army may not allow it." Both men turned to look at him. He Lianpeng continued, "Has Your Highness and Father forgotten? The enmity between our Northern Rong and Prince Ding's Estate... runs deeper than the sea."Upon hearing this, both men were startled. The war over a decade ago had not only devastated the Mo Family Army but also left Northern Rong severely weakened. However, the Mo Family Army's hatred for Northern Rong would never fade simply because Northern Rong had suffered as well. Mo Xiuyao's forces had always acted swiftly—conquering the Western Mausoleum Imperial City in three months and taking Chu Jing in just over a month. Yet this time, his approach against Northern Rong had been unusually slow and deliberate, completely contrary to his usual style.

Realizing this, Helian Zhen's heart sank, and his expression darkened. "Mo Xiuyao intends to annihilate our entire Northern Rong army in one fell swoop!" he exclaimed.

Yelv Ye was equally shocked. "Mo Xiuyao's ambition is far too great!" he said grimly.

Helian Zhen continued, "Even in his teens, Mo Xiuyao had already mastered the art of war, employing strategies that were unpredictable and profound. After over a decade of biding his time, he must be even more formidable now. Your Highness must pay attention to our flanks. If Mo Xiuyao truly aims to wipe us out, he will surely send troops to outflank us from both sides and cut off our retreat."

Yelv Ye knew he was no match for Helian Zhen in military tactics and nodded. "Understood. Thank you for the warning, Uncle. But now, advancing is difficult, and retreat is not an option. What do you both suggest we do?"

He Lianpeng spoke up, "This general believes that since retreat is impossible, we should press forward with courage. Moreover, given Northern Rong's climate, even if we safely withdraw beyond the pass, it would take two or three months for the grasslands to thaw before we could return to the Northern Rong royal court. In that case, why not gamble on advancing? Prince Ding's Estate and Northern Rong are already sworn enemies. If we break the agreement midway, Western Liang would surely not let us off either." Though Western Liang no longer bordered Northern Rong, it remained a powerful nation. Additionally, Northern Rong suffered from severe shortages and relied heavily on imports from Western Liang. If they provoked both of the world's strongest adversaries simultaneously, Northern Rong's situation would become dire indeed.

Yelv Ye sighed. "Very well. What suggestions do you have, General He Lianpeng and Uncle?"

After a moment of contemplation, Helian Zhen said, "Tomorrow marks the New Year in Great Chu. The entire Mo Family Army will undoubtedly celebrate, and their defenses will be at their weakest. We should seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack."

"Is that feasible?" Yelv Ye hesitated. Mo Xiuyao was one of the era's greatest generals—would he really make such a mistake?

Helian Zhen replied, "Strike first to gain the upper hand. If we continue to endure passively, the Mo Family Army will only push us further back, eroding our morale completely."

After a long pause, Yelv Ye sighed again. "Then let it be as you suggest, Uncle."

Meanwhile, in the Mo Family Army's camp, the night was alive with lights and laughter. Even the usual strict ban on alcohol during marches was temporarily lifted, and the scent of strong liquor filled the air.

Soldiers gathered in groups of dozens around roaring bonfires, drinking and feasting merrily. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, accompanied by their commanders, joined the troops in celebration. Despite the winter chill, the camp was warmed by blazing fires, and the soldiers, fueled by strong spirits, felt no cold. Even Mo Xiaobao sat beside Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, his delicate little face beaming with joy.In the darkness of night, a Northern Rong force silently approached the vicinity of the Mo Family Army's camp. Even from three or four miles away, the sounds of cheers and clamor from the Mo Family Army's camp could be heard. The glow of fires that nearly lit up half the sky made the Northern Rong soldiers, who had been ordered to launch a night raid, feel even colder and more miserable. They couldn't help but feel a deep envy toward the Mo Family Army.

"What good fortune they have. Here we are, starving and freezing, while they're feasting on meat and wine," one Northern Rong soldier muttered, shivering as he complained. The man beside him nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The Mo Family Army is far wealthier than us. We barely get to eat meat these days, yet I hear they have it every day." With the supply routes from Northern Rong to Da Chu cut off, provisions and grain could no longer be transported. Ever since the Mo Family Army began their standoff with Northern Rong, many of the remaining civilians under Northern Rong's control had fled to the Mo Family Army's side, leaving them with nothing to plunder. As a result, military provisions had dwindled severely. Though they had plenty of warhorses, these were the most crucial assets for Northern Rong. Unless absolutely necessary, slaughtering them for food was out of the question. Thus, the soldiers, long accustomed to feasting on meat and wine, were forced to endure coarse grains like the Central Plains folk.

"Once we take the Mo Family Army's camp, all that will be ours," another Northern Rong soldier said eagerly.

"Right! Once we seize their supplies, we'll celebrate properly too!" The others agreed enthusiastically, looking forward to plundering the Mo Family Army's provisions.

The Northern Rong forces, preparing for their ambush, waited a couple of hours several miles from the Mo Family Army's camp before the lights in the camp gradually dimmed and the earlier clamor quieted. They knew the Mo Family Army's soldiers had finished their revelry and were preparing to rest. They had waited all night precisely for this moment—when the enemy would be drunk, exhausted, and least alert.

Seeing the time was ripe, He Lianpeng, leading the vanguard, quietly ordered his men to relay the command. The Northern Rong soldiers, who had been lying in wait in the snow, immediately sprang into action, swiftly advancing toward the Mo Family Army's camp.

As they drew near, He Lianpeng surveyed the now-dark and silent camp and suddenly halted. A puzzled officer beside him whispered, "General?"

"Something's wrong," He Lianpeng said grimly. Even if the Mo Family Army were careless, they shouldn't have remained completely unaware of their approach at such close range. This reeked of a trap. At his words, the men tensed, their eyes sharp with vigilance. "General, you mean—" He Lianpeng's sense of foreboding grew stronger. Without hesitation, he commanded, "Retreat!"

But leaving would not be as easy as arriving. Suddenly, flames erupted in the darkness around them, and a clear, mocking laugh rang out from nearby. "General He Lian, since you've come, why leave in such a hurry?" Well-organized and high-spirited Mo Family Army soldiers emerged from the shadows, surrounding the Northern Rong forces. A young general in his late twenties, clad in black battle robes, rode forward on horseback, smiling broadly at He Lianpeng. "On New Year's Eve, has General He Lian come to pay his respects to this general?""Yun... Ting!" After several encounters over these days, He Lianpeng had naturally gained considerable knowledge about the generals under the Mo Family Army's command. He was no stranger to Yun Ting, the young general highly regarded by Princess Ding.

Yun Ting grinned triumphantly, "Indeed, it is this general. How has General He Lian been these past few days?"

He Lianpeng lowered his gaze, frowning slightly. Suddenly, his heart jolted as he sharply raised his head, "Are you the only one in the camp?!" Such a major event as the Northern Rong army's surprise attack, yet only Yun Ting had emerged from the Mo Family Army. If it wasn't because Prince Ding's Estate looked down on the Bei Rong people, then... there was no one else in the Mo Family Army camp at this moment. Yun Ting was the sole commanding officer present.

Yun Ting didn't conceal it, laughing with some surprise, "General He Lian truly has sharp eyes." His words implicitly admitted that he was indeed the only one in charge at the Mo Family Army camp at that moment.

However, Yun Ting's admission didn't bring He Lianpeng any joy. Instead, it made him even more restless and uneasy. With Yun Ting alone, He Lianpeng might have the ability to capture the Mo Family Army camp. But what use was an empty camp? More importantly... where had Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li taken the other generals?

In contrast to He Lianpeng's dark mood, Yun Ting appeared utterly self-satisfied, as if completely unconcerned about his mere tens of thousands of troops being surrounded by He Lianpeng's army. Smiling, he said, "Does General He Lian wish to inquire about Wang Ye and Wang Fei's whereabouts?"

He Lianpeng replied grimly, "I would appreciate General Yun's enlightenment."

"Hasn't General He Lian guessed already? Wang Ye and Wang Fei have gone to raid the Northern Rong Camp," Yun Ting declared with a hearty laugh. "General He Lian, did you think only your Northern Rong knew how to launch surprise attacks? When it comes to military strategy, we Central Plains people are the ancestors!"

He Lianpeng's face instantly turned ashen. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, leading nearly all the generals of the Mo Family Army to raid the Northern Rong Camp—clearly, they were determined to succeed. He turned sharply and barked, "Retreat! Return to camp immediately!"

Yun Ting sneered, "Do you think our Mo Family Army camp is a place you can come and go as you please?!" With a wave of his hand, Mo Family Army soldiers had already cut off the Northern Rong army's retreat. The location of the Mo Family Army camp was ingeniously chosen. There was only one shortcut for the Northern Rong army to return, but that path was precisely blocked by the Mo Family Army lying in ambush. The other routes were not only treacherous and rugged but would also require a detour of many miles. If He Lianpeng wanted to return and rescue the Northern Rong Camp, he would have to break through Yun Ting's forces.

But Yun Ting had joined the army in his youth. Starting as an ordinary soldier under the tutelage of Murong Shen, Zhang Qilan, and Lyu Jinxian, he had risen to become a young general capable of leading an army independently. Over more than a decade, he had participated in no fewer than a hundred battles, large and small. He was not someone He Lianpeng could easily overpower.

Perched atop his horse, Yun Ting smiled down at He Lianpeng, "General He Lian, no need to rush. Why not spar with this general first?"

"You're courting death!" He Lianpeng was supremely confident in his martial prowess. Even in the Central Plains' martial world, he had few equals, let alone a young general like Yun Ting. Gripping his long blade, he lunged at Yun Ting. As the two commanders clashed, their soldiers below wasted no time either, swiftly engaging each other amid fierce battle cries.Yun Ting flashed a grin at He Lianpeng but made no move to engage him directly. Seeing He Lianpeng charging toward him, he immediately tugged his reins and galloped off in another direction. He Lianpeng leaped after him, covering the distance in a few bounds, and shouted, "Where do you think you're going?!"

Yun Ting turned back with a smile. "This general knows of Commander He Lianpeng's formidable martial skills, so I’ve specially invited a few experts to exchange pointers with you." As he spoke, several shadowy figures emerged from the darkness. He Lianpeng glanced at the hidden insignias on their collars and said grimly, "Qilin."

"Indeed," the lead figure chuckled softly, raising his head—it was the third young master of the Xu Family, Xu Qingfeng.

Free from He Lianpeng's pursuit, Yun Ting cupped his hands toward Xu Qingfeng with a laugh. "Commander Xu, I leave Commander He Lianpeng in your care." With that, he spurred his horse and charged back into the battlefield.

He Lianpeng's expression darkened. Over the past months, the Mo Family Army's Qilin and his own Yazi had clashed dozens of times in open and covert battles. Yet the Qilin had rarely suffered defeat, while the Yazi—once his greatest hope—had been nearly wiped out after months of relentless fighting. He Lianpeng had come to understand the stark difference between the two forces, and his hatred for Princess Ding, who had trained the Qilin, burned fiercer than ever.

The men surrounding him now, though no match for him individually, could overwhelm him with their coordinated attacks. Worse, they didn’t even need to kill him—merely trapping him for a few hours to prevent his return would spell disaster.

"Third Young Master Xu?" He Lianpeng fixed his gaze on Xu Qingfeng. "I never expected the scholarly Xu Family to produce a military man like you." Xu Qingfeng remained unruffled by the taunt, replying leisurely, "Pursuing literature or martial arts is a matter of personal choice. The Xu Family has never imposed rigid expectations. Even if I’ve traded the brush for the sword, I bring no shame to my ancestors." Though Xu Qingfeng favored martial arts, he had grown up immersed in the Xu Family's scholarly traditions. While his literary talents paled in comparison to his siblings, they still surpassed most. More importantly, he had never regretted his path or doubted its righteousness. He Lianpeng’s barb barely registered as an itch.

He Lianpeng knew further words were pointless—his priority was breaking free from the Qilin’s encirclement and leading his troops back to reinforce their camp. His expression hardened. "Very well. This general shall witness the Qilin’s prowess firsthand."

Without another word, Xu Qingfeng and his men drew their weapons and attacked. The Qilin’s strength lay in their seamless teamwork. Though individually weaker, their coordinated assault left He Lianpeng struggling to counter their every move.

Meanwhile, Yun Ting and his troops rampaged through the chaotic battlefield, cutting down Northern Rong soldiers who barely had time to react. The mountains and fields echoed with the clamor of slaughter.

At the same time, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had already arrived near the Northern Rong Camp. Gazing at the brightly lit encampment, Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled into a cold smile. Clearly, Yelv Ye and the others were still waiting for news from He Lianpeng. Little did they know that the very forces they had planned to ambush had already slipped past their defenses and now stood at their doorstep.Ye Li reined in her horse beside Mo Xiuyao, standing shoulder to shoulder as they gazed at the distant camp. She smiled faintly and said, "By now, He Lianpeng must have already engaged Yun Ting." Once He Lianpeng clashed with Yun Ting, it would be impossible for him to withdraw anytime soon. And that would give them ample time to deal with Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Indeed. I wonder if Helian Zhen has realized that this prince is right outside his camp at this very moment?"

On the other side, Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "Helian Zhen must surely believe that Wang Ye was genuinely startled by He Lianpeng's sudden attack." The festive and joyous atmosphere deliberately created in the Mo Family Army's camp had all been a trap laid for the Northern Rong people. How could someone like Mo Xiuyao grow complacent and celebrate prematurely before achieving total victory? It was a pity that Helian Zhen truly did not understand Mo Xiuyao's character at all.

"Are you ready?" Mo Xiuyao asked calmly.

Feng Zhiyao nodded and said, "Preparations are complete. Sun Yaowu will lead his troops to flank from the left, while Chen Yun will lead his troops to flank from the right. Zhou Min has long stationed his forces at Huifeng Valley. We will attack from the front. In one hour, Yun Ting will release He Lianpeng to rendezvous with Yelv Ye and the others. Rest assured, not a single soldier of the Northern Rong will escape."

Mo Xiuyao nodded in approval. "Excellent. This prince wishes to see... if Helian Zhen still has any tricks left to turn the tide." Though his words carried a light tone, a chilling aura of killing intent naturally emanated from his voice.

"Wang Ye, shall we begin now?" Feng Zhiyao was also eager for action.

"Begin," Mo Xiuyao affirmed with a nod.

Feng Zhiyao smiled, drawing an arrow from behind him. He nocked it, drew the bow, and loosed a flaming arrow straight toward the Northern Rong Camp.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

The first day of the Lunar New Year, the start of a brand-new year. Feng Qing wishes all dear readers a happy new year, filled with good health, family happiness, joy, and the fulfillment of all your wishes. Mwah~ Hugs and snuggles~ And to those with monthly votes, don’t hesitate to shower me with them~ Seeking monthly votes as New Year’s lucky money on the first day of the year~